Platforms for Business

Multi-Tasking

To get the most benefit from working with the Internet, you need a multitasking operating system such as Unix, Windows NT or Windows95. These let you work on several applications at once; that is to say, the computer can work on more than one task simultaneously, even compute-intensive ones such as spreadsheet calculation. The operating system should be robust enough so that it never crashes - something that could never be said for Windows3.1.

In order for a multi-tasking system to operate effectively, it must have enough RAM. Insufficient RAM means that active tasks will be swapped out to disk, causing a dramatic slowdown in overall speed. It is much more cost-effective to upgrade RAM on a multi-tasking system than it is to upgrade the CPU. Available tools will show you how much RAM and swap space is being used at any time.

In order for the user to get maximum benefit from a multi-tasking system, the monitor must be large enough - at least 17 inch. You should be able to run at least 1028x768 pixels and get two copies of Netscape side-by-side.

Hardware

Historically, large organizations have run IBM mainframes, or Unix, and small businesses have used PCs. Commercial programs for Unix tend to be more expensive than the same program for PCs, so there is a proliferation of PCs of various ages, models, etc. - presenting a maintainance nightmare.

Now, you can install a powerful Pentium Pro or Alpha server running WinNT alongside Unix servers. Users can use inexpensive X-terminals from NCD or other vendors (or X software on Unix or Windows PCs, though Windows is much slower) to run X11 or Windows software using all the power and RAM of the hot box. You need WinCenter from NCD or a similar product.

HOT!
** Free NCD WinCenter Preview Software Available on WWW **

The WinCenter Preview software installs on top of regular Microsoft Windows
NT 3.51 (either Workstation or Server). When enabled, it temporarily
redirects all console graphics over the network to the X Window System
display of your choice.

For this software you will need:

    - An Intel (preferably Pentium) PC w/ Windows NT 3.51 (Workstation is ok)
    - At least 16 MB (and preferably 24 MB) of memory
    - Around 1 MB of free disk space
    - An X display (terminal, workstation, etc.) with access control *OFF*

Please feel free to download your FREE copy by visiting our WWW page at

www.ncd.com/XTD

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